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The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Saga: AI Blurring Lines of Authenticity in Rap Battles

April 15, 2024

In an era where artificial intelligence can convincingly mimic human artists, the lines between real and synthetic music blur. Recently, a supposed diss track titled “Push Ups” by Drake aimed at....

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The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A Cultural Renaissance

April 5, 2024

In the heart of Canada's diverse music scene, Punjabi music is making significant strides, marking a new chapter in the country's cultural tapestry. This shift is not just a testament to the...

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Portugal. The Man: Through Songwriting Triumphs and Trials

April 5, 2024

At the heart of Portugal. The Man is a songwriting process deeply influenced by their experiences, emotions, and the landscapes of their Alaskan upbringing. John Gourley, the band's frontman...

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Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

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The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

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NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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TikTok Plans to Introduce a New Music Streaming App

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Photo: Bloomberg

Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music industry. It is well known that songs trending on TikTok often end up ranking on the Billboard 100 or Spotify Viral 50. This prominent pattern of TikTok fame leading to industry success has allowed tracks like Old Town Road by Lil Nas X and Drivers License by Oliva Rodrigo to become viral sensations on TikTok before placing on the Billboard 100.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has recognized the app’s profound impact on music marketing, distribution, and consumption. Consequently, ByteDance has filed patents for “TikTok Music”, an interactive music streaming app that will allow users to purchase, play, share, and download music. Additionally, users can create and recommend playlists, comment on music, and even share lyrics.  

Photo: 9to5Mac

According to a study conducted by the music analytics company, MRC Data, 67% of TikTok users are more likely to seek out songs on music streaming services after hearing them on TikTok. Moreover, a UK-based investor reported that songs popular on TikTok drive additional views on YouTube and streaming platforms. Thus, TikTok Music has the potential to compete with music streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music.

As a result, TikTok has quickly become the go-to promotional tool for artists. Marketers often hire influencers to create posts or set up private listening parties with influencers to help popularize a song. Given the essential role of TikTok in a song’s success, it is possible that TikTok Music, with close ties to TikTok, could reshape the music streaming industry.

Music creators and producers will be able to leverage TikTok Music’s interactive functions to further promote their work. This will potentially allow smaller creators to better market their songs and compete with larger record labels. TikTok Music may prove to be a very useful music distribution platform for new-and-upcoming creators that are looking to build a fanbase with minimum marketing costs. Given TikTok’s ability to launch regular people into fame overnight, it is possible that TikTok Music may have similar effects on small creators, allowing them to obtain large followings in short periods of time.